The 21st Century Language Learning Skills for Promoting Listening and Reading Comprehension

• Author(s): Ogunjemilua Temitope Olubunmi ; Ofodu Graceful Onovughe Ph.D
• Paper ID: 1710039
• Page: 418-426
• Published Date: 19-08-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 2 August-2025

Abstract

In the 21st century, the landscape of language education has undergone a radical transformation, driven by technological advancements, digital literacy demands, and the growing need for global communication competence. Among the core language skills, listening and reading comprehension are pivotal for learners to access, evaluate, and respond to information effectively in both academic and real-world contexts. This paper explores the essential 21st-century learning skills—critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and digital literacy—and their relevance in promoting effective listening and reading comprehension. Drawing from contemporary theories such as Vygotsky’s social constructivism and Bloom’s revised taxonomy, the study highlights how learner-centered, technology-enhanced, and skills-integrated approaches can significantly enhance language processing, retention, and comprehension. The paper also reviews empirical evidence on instructional methods that embed multimodal texts, collaborative learning platforms, and inquiry-based strategies to develop learners' comprehension proficiency. Findings suggest that the integration of 21st-century skills into language pedagogy fosters not only improved comprehension outcomes but also prepares learners to navigate the complexities of modern communication environments. The study concludes with pedagogical recommendations for educators and curriculum designers to rethink traditional practices and embrace dynamic, skill-oriented teaching models.

Keywords

21st-Century Skills, Language Learning, Listening Comprehension, Reading Comprehension, Digital Literacy, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Communicative Competence.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Ogunjemilua Temitope Olubunmi , Ofodu Graceful Onovughe Ph.D "The 21st Century Language Learning Skills for Promoting Listening and Reading Comprehension" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 2 2025 Page 418-426

IEEE:
Ogunjemilua Temitope Olubunmi , Ofodu Graceful Onovughe Ph.D "The 21st Century Language Learning Skills for Promoting Listening and Reading Comprehension" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(2)